Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
MS in Biostatistics
Boston, USA
MSc
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
17 Mar 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 34,935 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* applications received after the final deadline will continue to be reviewed on a space-available basis
** for full time students | part time students: 2,183 USD per credit
Key Summary
Prepare for a Career at the Forefront of Public Health
Some of us are called to ask the big questions in life. Biostatisticians ask these questions and find the life-changing answers through scientific research and in-depth statistical analysis.
How it Works
Our Master of Science (MS) program, which is jointly administered by the Department of Biostatistics of the School of Public Health and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, will provide you with comprehensive training in statistical theory and application to position you well for future doctoral studies or starting your career as a practicing biostatistician, all while beginning to build your professional network in Boston. In this comprehensive program, you will:
- Gain advanced knowledge in probability, statistical inference, and the theory of linear models.
- Learn to design and conduct experimental and epidemiological studies.
- Build skills in statistical computation, data analysis, and advanced statistical modeling techniques.
- Be an active part of the department of biostatistics community, with frequent opportunities to participate in research projects, departmental seminars, and interact with a vibrant student community.
Faculty
You will learn from the best. Our accomplished, practicing faculty publish cutting-edge research that puts public health innovation in motion. Research interests of our accomplished faculty include multivariate analysis, survival analysis, medical statistics, clinical trials methodology, statistical genetics, robust statistics, longitudinal data analysis, time series, regression, estimation theory, and the design of experiments.
A limited number of merit scholarships and assistantships are offered to students enrolled in the MS in Biostatistics program. Most of our students fund tuition and expenses through savings or loans. Please visit the GRS Aid for Master's Students page and SPH’s Financing your Education page for potential internal and external funding opportunities.
Full-time Schedule:
Complete your degree within 15 months.
| Fall I | Spring I | Fall II |
|---|---|---|
| CAS/MET MA581 Probability | CAS/MET MA582 Mathematical Statistics | CAS MA575 Linear Models |
| BS805 Intermediate Statistical Computing and Applied Regression Analysis | BS852 Statistical Methods for Epidemiology | Biostatistics or mathematics elective – 4 credits |
| EP770 Concepts and Methods in Epidemiology | Biostatistics electives – 8 credits | |
| Biostatistics elective – 4 credits | Take MS Theory Exam | Take MS Applied Exam |
Part-time Schedule:
Part-time students take 1-2 courses per semester and can complete the program in 24 months.
To earn the MS degree, students are expected to complete 32 credit hours with grades of at least B– in every course.
As a top-ranked school of public health, our community offers you access to cutting-edge advancements in research, scholarship, and public health practice; a top-tier education with an on-the-ground mission.
The MS in Applied Biostatistics provides students with comprehensive training in biostatistical methods and real-world experience through rotations and internships. The MA and Ph.D. in Biostatistics offer students the opportunity not only to gain expertise in mathematical statistics but also to specialize in the epidemiologic, medical, and scientific applications of statistics.
In addition to our innovative approach to real-world education, we are committed to improving the student experience. Our vibrant community is what sets us apart, and we are proud of our inclusive and supportive learning environment. We work hard to ensure that your time, effort, and resources are well spent, from graduate student life and leadership opportunities to practicum experiences, career services, and job placement activities.
The growing healthcare field needs qualified professionals with the knowledge, skillset, and hands-on experience to drive research forward and provide the statistical data to launch the development of new cancer drugs, genetic testing, cutting-edge surgical procedures, and more. Job prospects for biostatisticians are on the rise, and BU’s MS in Biostatistics will prepare you for a successful career in:
- biomedical research enterprises
- pharmaceutical companies
- contact research organizations
- local and national government agencies
- research positions in associations, foundations, NGOs, and nonprofit organizations
Additionally, the MS in Biostatistics provides outstanding preparation to continue your studies in a top Ph.D. program.
Our Center for Career Development is also ready to help you find the best use of your degree. From networking to job opportunities to salary negotiations, our mission is to help you grow your professional life and keep it humming well beyond graduation.